An enhanced exercise and cognitive programme does not appear to reduce incident delirium in hospitalised patients: a randomised controlled trial. Issue 6 (14th June 2013)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Jeffs, Kimberley J; Berlowitz, David J; Grant, Shane; Lawlor, Vicki; Graco, Marnie; de Morton, Natalie A; Savige, Judith A; Lim, Wen K
• Is Part Of: BMJ open. Volume 3:Issue 6(2013)
• Publication Date: 2013-06-14
• Subjects: Geriatric Medicine; Medicine -- Research -- Periodicals; 610.72
• DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2013-002569
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2044-6055

Abstract

Abstract : Objective: To determine if a programme of progressive resistance exercise, mobilisation and orientation, in addition to usual care, was superior to usual care alone in the prevention of incident delirium in older hospitalised patients. Design: A randomised controlled trial. Setting: The study was performed at a secondary referral hospital in Melbourne, Australia between May 2005 and December 2007. Participants: 648 consecutive medical inpatients aged 65 years or older who had been in hospital for less than 48 h and who did not have delirium. Intervention: Participants were randomly allocated to a twice-daily programme of progressive resistance exercise tailored to individual ability, mobilisation and orientation in addition to usual care or to usual care alone. Measurements: Delirium was measured using the Confusion Assessment Method at baseline and every 48 h until discharge. Secondary outcome measures were severity and duration of delirium, discharge destination and length of stay. Results: Delirium occurred in 4.9% (95% CI 2.3% to 7.3%) of the intervention group (15/305) and in 5.9% (20/339; 95% CI 3.8% to 9.2%) of the group receiving usual care. No difference was observed between groups (χ 2 ; p=0.5). The intervention had no effect on delirium duration, severity, discharge destination or length of stay. Conclusion: A programme of progressive resistance exercise and orientation was not effective in reducing incident delirium in hospitalised elderly patients.